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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 10/26/2009 RECrE. '' Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes CV SECRETARY'S OFFICE Monday, October 26, 2009 Call Meeting to Order - Mr. Glenn Jones, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:36 p.m. II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes of September 28, 2009 were approved. III. Presentations and Discussions - a. Monthly Traffic Fatality Report: Sgt. Mike Pena reports twenty-two (22) fatalities for the year. Sgt. Pena discusses the two most recent fatalities. One occurred on the 3900 block of Saratoga, where a motorcyclist that was exiting a private driveway, drove across the raised median, which caused him to lose control. He was ejected from the motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet. Sgt. Pena states that the motorcyclist sustained head injuries that ultimately killed him. Police department is still waiting on a toxicology report from this accident. Sgt. Pena then discusses the next accident which occurred at 3800 block of State Highway 286, near Prescott. This pedestrian left Memorial Medical Center and against medical advisement, checked himself out of the hospital. The pedestrian walked across the freeway and was struck by a vehicle on 286. The driver of the vehicle was not intoxicated. From Lt. Pena's understanding, the pedestrian may have had some psychological problems. b. Monthly Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee Report: Mrs. Karen Beard updates the TAC on topics the Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-committee have discussed. The sub-committee has worked on updating the bylaws, which will come to the TAC for approval next month. Mrs. Beard also requested that an action item be added on next month's agenda for approval of a pedestrian representative on the sub-committee. c. Traffic Signal Coordination Plan: Mr. Cardenas introduces the presentation on the Traffic Signal Coordination Plan as an MPO coordinated effort with the Texas Department of Transportation. Benedict Patrick and Heidi Ross, from HDR Inc. conduct the presentation on the CCMPO Traffic Signal Coordination Plan. Ms. Ross informs the committee that the scope of work of this project includes three items: to develop the coordinated signal timing plans for five (5) corridors, evaluate signal warrant studies at two (2) intersections; and conducted a system wide evaluation of all the signals in the area. Ms. Ross introduces the five (5) corridors that the CCMPO developed coordinated signal timing plans for as Ocean Drive, Alameda Street, Staples Page 1 of 6 SCANNED Street, Home Road and Gollihar Road. Ocean Drive consisted of five (5) intersections, Alameda Street had eight (8), Staples Street had eight (8), Home Road had four (4) and Gollihar Road had three (3). Ms. Ross reports that the methodology behind each of these corridor timing plans is similar. It began with collecting data, developing existing models to replicate what was currently out in the field, calibration of the models based on the data collected and then develop both long and short range recommendations. Data collection included morning and evening peak turning movement counts, approach counts, the preparation of intersection figures, comprehensive field review and signal timing obtained from both the city and TxDOT. Short term recommendations were to be implemented this month. Long term recommendations, which include the addition of right and left turn lanes, could not be built in the immediate time frame. Ms. Ross explains that HDR's developed optimized models are currently in the process of being implemented. Currently, Ocean Drive and Alameda Street have been complete, and with the coordination of the city, the others will follow. The Staple Street corridor included a series of recommendations from HDR. Mr. Ross informs the committee that HDR split the system into two coordinated systems: one from Shopping Way to Williams Drive; and the other from Holly Road to Saratoga Boulevard. In addition, Ms. Ross reports that HDR also recommended capacity improvements, specifically extending the south bound left turn bay at the Shopping Way intersection, and also suggested the addition of some left and right turn capacity down at Saratoga Boulevard. The plan also made changes to Staples Street in terms of bandwidth, the amount of green time available for a group of vehicles to drive through a corridor without encountering a red phase. The goal of bandwidth improvements is so more cars can travel along the network. Ms. Ross believes that with these changes, the intersections will operate at an acceptable level of service. Ms. Ross stresses that when HDR looks at the performance of the corridor; they not only look at bandwidth, but at network delay and fuel consumption. When translating this into an annual economic benefit, the economic benefits total 4.1 million dollars for the short term and 8.5 million dollars for the long term. Ms. Ross then discusses the second scope element, being the signal warrant analysis. HDR evaluated signal warrant studies at two intersections to determine if signals were recommended to be installed. Ms. Ross starts with the first location being La Palmera Driveway and Staples Street. Ms. Ross claims that based on engineering judgment and the fact that this intersection is too close to the signal at S.P.I.D. and Staples Street, the MPO does not recommend this intersection be signalized. The second Page 2 of 6 1 , intersection was at U.S. Highway 181 and Buddy Ganem Drive interchange. Based on the data and field observations, the MPO is recommending that a signal be installed. The last scope element included a system wide evaluation of the current intersections in the city system at the time. HDR looked at prioritizing those systems for re-timing of the corridors and recommended additional corridors to be timed. Ms. Ross says the Signal Timing Coordination Plan proposes a plan to work the additional corridors into the overall operation plan for optimizing the system. The plan gives the additional intersections a low, medium or high priority value. Mr. Jones questions how the streets studied were selected. Mr. Cardenas responds that the city had a list of where the city would like to see better signal coordination. Staples Street, from Shopping Way to Saratoga Boulevard, was on the top of this list. FM 624 was also on this list; however, city staff is managing this signal coordination. Mr. Jones questions why Everhart Road was not on this list. Mr. Cardenas explains that Everhart Road was on this list. However, because this project was funded by the MPO, the city took into consideration where they would get more out of it. Since the MPO has funds for only five (5) corridors, of city's choice, the smart move is for the city to choose the corridors with the most signals to coordinate. Mr. Cardenas also explains that the city needs to be fair and spread the wealth in all areas through the city and not only the south side. Mr. Bill Green, chairman, expresses his gratitude to the MPO for their contribution and hard work. d. Transportation Advisory Committee webpage: Mr. Daniel Carrizales introduces the new TAC webpage he has implemented into the MPO website. He informs the committee that the page is not active yet, but can be made active as soon as he has the approval from the committee. Mr. Green suggests the addition of the members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-committee and the agency they represent. Mrs. Beard suggests presenting this to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-committee as well. e. City's interpretation of House Bill 55: Ms. Veronica Ocanas states that the definition of "school crossing zone" in relation to house bill 55, based on the Transportation code definition, does include the entire school zone as opposed to only the crosswalk. City will not need to enact any new ordinance to get this implemented. Mr. Green questions if the city has any plans to help put this out to the community, so citizens are already aware that school crossing zone refers to the entire school zone. Mr. Cardenas informs Mr. Green that the public information office is aware and is planning on doing some public announcements on their access channel. Mrs. Page 3 of 6 Beard informs the committee that DPS is also promoting the city's interpretation. f. Cell phone ban signage update: Mr. Cardenas reports to the committee that the city ran into a problem with the bidding process. The city must have three quotes in order to proceed with the selection. As of now, one of the bidders needs to resubmit their quote to include the labor cost. The good news is that the bids are coming in under $50,000, so city would not have to go to council. The city already has the funding source for this cost, which will use money from the red light camera. City forces will be installing the signs. Mr. Cardenas says that he is coordinating with Mr. Al Davila, the supervisor for the City Sign Crew, to get a work schedule. Mr. Jones questions what the process is if the city never gets in that final quote. Mr. Cardenas states that as long as the city has made every effort to advertise, then they can proceed with choosing from the two bidders. g. Red light camera update: Mr. Cardenas presents the yearly annual report on the red light cameras in Corpus Christi. He suggests further discussing this topic in detail next month when city staff can provide a spreadsheet to summarize the annual report with some exhibits. For now the TAC can take a look at the annual report over the next month. Mrs. Beard questions whether we can distinguish between the number of side impacts before and after the red light camera was installed. She states that there may be more rear end collisions, but the side impact and fatalities are less. h. Whataburger Way update: Mr. Green summarizes that this was a street closure that was approved by this committee and then the corporate headquarters moved to another city. The question remains whether the right of way is deeded back to the adjoining property owners and whether this street can be re-opened. Mr. Cardenas informs the committee that there were several discussions on this topic in the past weeks. He directs the committee to Attachment "C", which is the ordinance passed in February 2008 and deeded with the county on June 18, 2008. Mr. Cardenas shares with the committee that the owner did pay the fair market value of 79,955.00, provided a traffic impact analysis, closed off driveways indicated and did provide driveways on Gollihar Road and Staples Street. However, what they failed to do is physically close off Whataburger Way. Mr. Cardenas informs the committee that according to Sonny Garza, in charge of the city's right of way section, if the city wanted to re-acquisition, the city would have to buy it back at Whataburger's asking price. As part of the deed, Whataburger is in charge of keeping up with the sidewalks and signs if they left the roadway open, which they have done so far. Mr. Green questions the procedure if an accident occurred on this roadway. Ms. Ocanas states that it would be between the owner of the property and not the city, since it is a private street. Mr. Cardenas informs the TAC that city staff can make a recommendation of doing something about that roadway Page 4 of 6 for the safety of our public. However,•he does stress that the property has been sold and Whataburger has complied and ultimately it lies with the property owner. Mr. Green suggests that between legal and risk management review, city might also consider development services review to see what measures the city has to protect our public. i. Cimarron speed study: Item tabled until next month. j. Acapulco Restaurant drive way on Weber Road: Mr. Cardenas reports to the committee that the new Acapulco Restaurant is currently constructing a driveway onto Weber Road (FM 43). He is seeking feedback from the committee to discuss with TxDOT any issues. The configuration of this driveway is similar to the Montana Mike's exit driveway. Mr. Green comments that typically we try to have a minimum of 300' between driveways. Mr. Green suggests that since a current driveway already exists; why not close the driveway that is being constructed now. Mr. Cardenas states that his initial thought is to have the new driveway constructed to only allow a right turn. k. Wal-mart at Parkdale update: Mr. Cardenas spoke with Development Services and informs the TAC that the city is waiting on the developer to precede with construction. The developer has completed the traffic impact analysis, signal timing plan on Carmel Parkway and surveying. Mr. Cardenas is unsure what the hold up is on the development of the Wal-mart. 1. Secondary information or updates: In association with the traffic on Weber Road near the new Acapulco Restaurant, Mr. Cardenas updates the TAC that in December a signal project will start at Aaron and Weber Road. This signal should alleviate some traffic back up at the Saratoga Boulevard and Weber Road intersection. The signal design was paid for and done by city staff and the actual signal construction at Aaron and Weber Road will be paid for by TxDOT. IV. Staff Recommendations requiring Committee Review for Recommendations/Actions - None V. Identify items to be placed on a future agenda - • Yorktown Boulevard and Weber Road (FM 43) • Saratoga Boulevard / Staples Street re-striping • Additional red light cameras update • Speed enforcement (city wide) • SPID exit signs (speed change on exits) Page 5 of 6 • • Median plan for Weber Road • Cell phone signage update when signs are installed VI. Public Comment - Mr. Bill Straughn states that a speed hump was installed on his street, adjacent to his driveway, yet he did not sign the petition supporting this. He claims that by city ordinance, property owners must sign the petition, however, only his wife signed it. By property owners, the petition would have needed his signature as well. A neighbor he spoke with also had his signature forged on the petition. Mr. Straugn would like to see the ordinance changed to require one-hundred percent of the property owners' approval and the city should not pay for the speed hump. Mr. Straughn believes the person or people requesting the speed hump should be responsible to pay for the speed hump. VII. Adjournment - Meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m. Page6of6